Who Was Baptized

Now I will write about baptism. Elders, priests, and teachers were baptized only if they were found worthy. And they baptized only those who had a broken heart and contrite spirit, who were willing to do God’s will, and who witnessed to the church that they had truly repented of all their sins.

Also, only those who were willing to take Christ’s name upon themselves, having a determination to serve Him throughout their lives, were baptized. After being baptized, they were given the Holy Ghost to come upon them and cleanse them, and then they were numbered among the people of Christ’s church. Their names were written down so that they would be remembered and taught by others with God’s good word. This teaching helped them to do right, to be continually watchful by praying, and to rely only upon the merits of Christ—the author and finisher of their faith.

The church met together often to fast and pray, and to speak with one another about the welfare of their souls. They also took the bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. They were strict in seeing that there was no sinfulness among them. If anyone was found committing sin, three witnesses of the church testified against him before the elders. And if he did not repent and confess his sins, then his name was removed from the record of Christ’s people. But if he did repent, and desired forgiveness with real intent, then he was forgiven. Their meetings were conducted by the church according to the workings of the Spirit. For when the Holy Ghost’s power led them to preach, pray or sing, that is what they did.